I recently had the experience of being in front of the camera for my own branding shoot. It was fun, a little outside my comfort zone, and honestly such a good reminder of what my clients experience during a session.

I brought my daughters along for styling advice (and to jump into a few photos themselves), which made the whole experience even more special. More than anything, it reminded me how much thought goes into planning – especially when it comes to the big question: What should I wear?

After years of photographing families, seniors, athletes, and brands…these tips resonated with me after my own personal experience in front of the camera:

Wear what feels like YOU

If you feel comfortable, you’ll naturally feel more confident in front of the camera. The goal isn’t to wear something perfect or on trend – it’s to wear something that feels natural, flattering, and true to your personality.  Confidence shines through the most in photos.

Keep colors timeless

Neutral colors photograph beautifully and give you flexibility when using images for years to come. I always love adding small pops of color, texture, or personality throughout outfits, while avoiding anything overly trendy or distracting that may feel dated quickly.

Try everything on ahead of time

And I mean the entire outfit — shoes, jewelry, belts, layers, bras, socks… all of it.  And for all of those who wear a bra…try it on, look in the mirror, look for straps, make sure it’s flattering.  With all accessories, especially the bra, an incorrect fit shows up even more in photos.

Accessories can completely change the look and feel of an outfit, and trying everything on beforehand (meaning a week before – not 15 minutes before) helps you feel relaxed and efficient, and confident, especially if we’re planning multiple outfit changes.  You don’t want to be second-guessing your outfit choice in the middle of a session.

Family Sessions

Start with one person’s outfit and build around it. Usually, it’s the person who cares most about what they’re wearing – whether that’s mom, dad, a teenager, or even a very opinionated toddler.

I love cohesive color palettes with variation: neutrals, soft textures, and complementary tones without everyone matching exactly.

Seniors

This is your season – have fun with it.

Yes, classic outfits photograph beautifully, but I also want seniors to bring pieces that feel personal to them: cowboy boots, a favorite sweatshirt, a varsity jacket, a band tee they’ve worn nonstop for four years.

The best senior sessions reflect personality just as much as they do this milestone.  And I will reiterate – comfort is key.  Have comfy shoes, have at least one outfit that you can sit in, and try EVERYTHING on before your session…not just 10 minutes before; try things on a week before.  Make sure your favorite shirt isn’t wrinkled at the bottom of your closet : )

Branding Sessions

Think intentionally about how you’ll use the images:

• Website
• Social media
• Newsletters
• Marketing materials

I always recommend creating a Pinterest board ahead of time so we can align your outfits, props, and overall feel with your brand. Bring pieces that represent your work and personality so your images feel cohesive and versatile. The planning piece on this is the most important – take some time to think about what you’re going to do with these photos?  Let’s make the most out of our time together and get photos for your website, an advertising campaign, social media (you’ll want lots of variety!).

Don’t Forget About Shoes

Shoes (and socks) matter more than people think – both visually and practically.

We’ll likely be moving throughout the session, so make sure you can comfortably walk in them. Also think about location:

• Barefoot often works best at the beach
• Heels and grassy fields usually don’t mix
• Urban sessions may involve more walking than expected

You can always bring additional shoe options and change once we reach a location.

Multiple Outfits?

Keep everything organized and easy to access. I recommend bringing outfits on hangers in a garment bag, along with a blanket or easy-changing layer if we’ll be outdoors or moving between locations.

At the end of the day, pick clothes that represent YOU and where you are at this stage in life.  Be comfortable and pick outfits that will make you feel confident!

Where Should I Get My Photos Taken?

I get this question all the time — and honestly, one of the best parts about living in the PNW is that we have so many beautiful options.

The truth is, I can make a session work almost anywhere. I’ve taken photos in parking lots, driveways, backyards, beaches, fields, and some of my favorite spots around Bainbridge, Bellevue, Kitsap County, Whidbey Island, and Seattle.

The more important question is what time of day…because let’s be honest, the golden hour glow is not just beautiful, it’s the most flattering.  So think about the time of year you are wanting your photos, and then look up when the sunset is that time of year.  And then back it up an hour…because that’s when we’ll want to start your session.

Once you have that in your mind…

The first question I usually ask is:
What kind of feel are you wanting for your photos?

And right behind that:
Is convenience or location more important?

If gathering everyone together and driving across town sounds stressful, let’s stay close to home. Sometimes the best sessions happen in places that already feel familiar and comfortable.

If you want more of an urban feel with a variety of backdrops, we can head into the city or choose a neighborhood location with lots of texture and movement.

Some of my favorite Seattle locations include:

• UW Center for Urban Horticulture
• The Arboretum
• Parsons Garden & Boulevard on Queen Anne
• Sculpture Park and Paccar Pavilion
• Gas Works Park

Personally, I’m always drawn to beach settings — water, grasses, driftwood, bridges, and soft evening light. If that’s the feel you’re wanting, Bainbridge is hard to beat.

Some favorite Bainbridge locations:

• Fay Bainbridge
• Blakely Harbor
• Lytle Beach
• Point No Point

And in Seattle:

• Discovery Park
• Golden Gardens

At the end of the day, the best location is the one that feels most like you — your senior, your family, your season, or your brand.

Start there, and then we can narrow things down based on the season, lighting, and what kind of experience you want your session to feel like.